Pres. Hinckley carried burden for predecessors

President Hinckley acknowledged that President Benson was suffering from the effects of age and illness and was not able to fulfill important duties of his office. But he cited D&C 102: 10, 11, which provides that the counselors in the First Presidency may act in the absence of the president.

When President Benson called his two counselors Nov. 10, 1985, he "signed ... powers of agency giving each of his counselors the authority to direct the business of the church," President Hinckley said.

"Under these specific and plenary delegations of authority, the counselors in the First Presidency carry on with the regular work of the office. But any major questions of policy, procedures, programs or doctrine are considered deliberately and prayerfully by the First Presidency and Twelve together."